Food is a universal language — it brings people together in more ways than one. Some of the fondest memories in life are made when gathered around the table enjoying delicious food. A way to bring your love for food, and everything that it stands for, to another level is to open a franchise of The Great Greek Mediterranean Grill. Maybe you love to cook, or you have an entrepreneurial spirit and the restaurant industry seems like a good place to invest. Although this is an exciting adventure for you to embark on in your professional life, opening up a restaurant takes a lot of hard work and dedication. This is true for even the most experienced restaurant owners. According to The Great Greek co-owner Nick Anthony Della Penna, “Making it out of the gate with a new restaurant is extremely difficult. That’s the benefit of franchising. You have the recipes, the pricing, the menu, you have all that stuff done for you.”
Regardless of your restaurant’s model — fast-food, fast-casual, or full-service — the first year getting started is always tough! But, with some simple tips and guidance on how to get your restaurant off the ground, you can quickly find success in your first year.
Marketing is a powerful tool, and it doesn’t have to be so complex. Simple marketing strategies have a big impact on the first year of success for any business. For restaurants, drawing in customers is essential to be profitable, especially in the first year. According to NextRestaurants.com, email marketing is a quick and easy way to get the word out on your new restaurant; and return on investment (ROI) is $40 for every $1 spent. Irresistible, mobile-friendly and interactive emails are sure to draw customers into your restaurant. Social media is another useful marketing tool for your restaurant; because you can easily engage with your customers and promote your restaurant with a specific brand image in mind.
When you open up your restaurant, make sure you have a reliable staff and network in place before you open your doors. Unenthused, unmotivated employees make for unenthused, non-returning customers. The Great Greek offers sufficient support to help train new owners and workers and get the right staff in place. Yes, the food does most of the talking, but providing good customer service is just as important as providing delicious, unique food.
The support doesn’t stop with training. When franchisees join The Great Greek family, they’re joining an operational process with ongoing support beyond their grand opening. After you open the doors of your new store, they’re there to answer questions and offer valuable insight to keep you on track or ahead of your goals. With a nose for business and the aroma of great food, you don’t have to picture a successful restaurant; The Great Greek will give you the keys to your fast-casual dining masterpiece.
Whatever your restaurant endeavors may hold, keep these tips in mind when heading into your startup year. This will ensure you’re creating a successful, efficient, and one-of-a-kind dining experience that allows customers to create many more memories gathered around the table.
To download a The Great Greek franchise brochure and to get started on your path to becoming a franchise owner, click here.
